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Falcons Sign More Kicking Competition Ahead of Commanders Matchup

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:30 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Falcons Add Fresh Kicking Depth Ahead of Commanders Clash

The Atlanta Falcons are tightening their kicking corps as the season approaches its most pivotal early‑season games. In a move that has caught the eye of both fans and analysts, the organization has signed two free‑agent specialists who will vie for the kicking and punting roles in the days leading up to a Sunday showdown with the Washington Commanders. The decision underscores a long‑standing trend: the Falcons have historically been cautious about leaving the one‑and‑two point positions open, and this offseason is no exception.

A Strategic Move

Head coach Arthur Smith and front‑office chief Matt Russell are reportedly looking for fresh legs to compete with incumbent kicker Younghoe Kwon—the player who led the league in field‑goal percentage last season. Kwon has been a reliable asset, but the Falcons have never shied away from the idea of having a ready backup, especially as the league continues to push for greater reliability in the kicking game.

“We’ve always had to be prudent about depth at that position, and the Commanders game is an opportunity for us to test a new group of players in a real‑world environment.” Russell told a Sports Illustrated reporter on Monday. “The kicker is a very critical position, and having a few options allows us to be prepared for any scenario.”

The two acquisitions are Brett Mahoney and Kenny Golladay. Mahoney, a former Saints kicker who has a track record of clutch performance in high‑pressure situations, is looking to re‑establish himself as a top‑tier specialist. Golladay, a veteran who has played for several teams across the league—including a stint with the Carolina Panthers—brings a unique blend of accuracy and distance.

Who Are These New Additions?

• Brett Mahoney – Mahoney was most recently a member of the New Orleans Saints and has had a respectable career that includes a 93% field‑goal success rate over his last three seasons. He’s known for his consistency on short to mid‑range kicks and a solid leg that can clear deep nets.
• Kenny Golladay – Golladay’s résumé is a bit more eclectic. He has been a kickoff specialist for the Panthers and later the Raiders. He’s recognized for his ability to generate high hang time, giving the special‑teams units time to recover.

Both of these players have agreed to one‑year deals, making them free‑to‑be traded if the Falcons decide to lock in a long‑term solution. The contracts are reportedly modest, reflecting the Falcons’ conservative approach to special‑teams spending.

Context of the Commanders Game

The Falcons’ first matchup of the season, against the Washington Commanders, is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. It will be a tough test of the kicking roster, as Washington’s defense has shown a proclivity for forcing long‑distance kicks from opposing teams. The Falcons will want to secure a reliable point‑scoring system and keep the special‑teams unit in pristine condition throughout the game.

Washington’s own kicking situation is somewhat unstable, having recently traded away their previous kicker and signed a rookie who has shown flashes of potential. The Falcons, however, will likely be able to leverage their new additions to ensure that they never have to rely on a one‑off performance from a single specialist.

Potential Implications

• Increased Competition: The Falcons have historically rotated the kicking job during training camp to keep options open. Adding two experienced specialists may heighten the level of competition, potentially forcing Kwon to elevate his game or prompting the Falcons to consider a different approach to kicking altogether.
• Strategic Depth: Having two kickers means the Falcons can play a "kicker vs. kicker" strategy during the week, using one for field‑goal attempts and the other for kickoff duties. This could help keep each player’s leg fresh and reduce injury risk.
• Future Decisions: If either Mahoney or Golladay performs exceptionally well, the Falcons may opt to sign a longer‑term deal or even trade Kwon if the team sees a better fit elsewhere. Conversely, if Kwon continues to dominate, the Falcons could keep him as the sole kicker and use the newcomers as depth.

Quotes From the Front Office

“We’re putting a lot of emphasis on special teams, and this offseason we’ve looked for specialists who have the experience and consistency to provide us with options,” said Matt Russell in a brief statement. “The Commanders game is a good early test to see how these guys perform in a high‑pressure environment.”

“We’ve got a few other specialists that we’ve signed earlier in the offseason, but these two are the ones who we’re looking at specifically for the kicking game,” added Arthur Smith. “It’s always good to have a backup plan.”

Final Thoughts

The Falcons’ decision to sign two free‑agent kickers is a move that speaks to a broader strategy of ensuring depth at the most unpredictable position on the field. With the Commanders game looming, the real test will come on Sunday. Should Mahoney and Golladay show up with strong performances, the Falcons will have a deeper and potentially more dynamic kicking unit than most teams have. If the competition does not pan out, the Falcons will have still taken a calculated risk—one that could pay dividends in a sport where a single missed field goal can alter the outcome of an entire game.

For now, the Falcons’ special‑teams units are busy in the preseason with drills, simulations, and conditioning, while the coaching staff scrambles to figure out the best combination of talent for that one‑and‑two‑point stretch. Whether the new additions will provide the immediate spark needed to win the first game of the season remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Falcons are not taking their kicking depth lightly.